24 weeks - Seen here at six
months, the unborn child is covered with a fine, downy hair called lanugo.
Its tender skin is protected by a waxy substance called vernix. Some of this
substance may still be on the child's skin at birth at which time it will be
quickly absorbed. The child practices breathing by inhaling amnionic fluid
into developing lungs.
30 weeks - For several months, the umbilical
cord has been the baby's lifeline to the mother. Nourishment is transferred
from the mother's blood, through the placenta, and into the umbilical cord
to the fetus. If the mother ingests any toxic substances, such as
drugs or
alcohol, the baby receives these as well.
32 weeks - The fetus sleeps 90-95% of the
day, and sometimes experiences REM sleep, an indication of dreaming.
